Child Care

We understand that finding reliable caregivers is important to working parents. That is why the University is committed to providing you with access to a wide array of child care options. Whether you are a new parent or new to Harvard, we encourage you to use the information here to explore your options and review our resources, which include:

Six on-campus child care centers;

Resources for finding group care or in-home care in your community;

Back-up care resources;

Information on schools and after-school programs;

Camps and school vacation programs;

New parent programs to help you transition to parenthood and back to work;

Ways to connect with other parents in the community.

To learn more about group child care, or how to find a nanny, a babysitter, or emergency child care, visit our Finding Child Care page.

If you are a prospective or current faculty member, you can also find more information about child care resources and other supports for work/life balance at the Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Diversity's website.

Due to strict state regulations that are designed to ensure both quality and safety, affordable child care can be in short supply in the greater Boston area, depending on the age of your child. Increase your odds for securing the type of child care that works best for your family by starting early and keeping your options open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Harvard’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can provide information on day care options, including tailoring a list of providers according to your desired location, preferred type of care, etc. Current faculty and staff members may find EAP contact information on HARVie. In addition, there are six child care centers on Harvard’s campuses, serving children from age three months to five years. Harvard also provides child care scholarships, which can be used toward the costs for in-home, family or group child care; scholarships are awarded via an application process. You can learn more about our resources for finding child care here.